•~○Cursed castle[NCT]○~•

~'•○

Chapter 9

The water was cold, not in temperature but in feeling — an ancient, heavy cold that seemed to seep into the bones.
Doyoung’s voice cut through the muffled silence, low and certain. “It must be here… I can sense it.”

They swam through the giant blue expanse, the light from above fracturing into ribbons across their faces. Schools of fish shimmered past like living jewels, their scales catching the light with supernatural brilliance. Many of the sea creatures paused, turning to face the newcomers with unnervingly human smiles before darting away — their eyes lingering just a little too long.

Yuta’s breath caught. “This is… unreal.”

Doyoung’s lips curled faintly.“It amazes me every day, and I live here.”

The world around them shifted subtly as they approached a darker part of the seabed — a looming mouth of a cave, where ragged plants waved like dying fingers and half-decayed fish lay twisted in the silt. The water felt heavier here. Shadows moved in ways they shouldn’t.

Suddenly, their crystal cameras buzzed sharply against their chests. Time was running out.

Jeno’s voice carried urgency. “Sir… when the others arrive, how can we come here right away?”

Jungwoo’s gaze was fixed on a distant pulse of light.
“Me and my father can sense the flow of this place. I will stay by the Crystals and bring you here instantly when it’s time.”

Jeno nodded. “Thank you, sir. I hope we meet again.”

The three of them darted toward a cluster of glowing coral. At their approach, a door shimmered into existence — the coral bending open like the maw of some massive beast. They slipped through and were carried upward, the pull of the sea releasing them only when they broke into the air above.

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Back with the others, Jisung’s voice was clipped.
“The prince will be waiting by the crystals. Hurry.”

Mark and Kun downed the potions, their throats burning, the taste sharp and metallic. Gills tore into existence at their necks with a sting like molten glass. Then they were back under, cutting through the dark waters with unnatural speed.

The coral door opened again, and inside stood a boy — delicate features, eyes luminous in the dim. When he spotted them, he smiled faintly and snapped his fingers. The world folded, and suddenly they were in front of the cave.

Jungwoo spoke quickly. “My name is Kim Jungwoo, this is my father, Kim Dongyoung. We must hurry.”

Mark returned the courtesy between gulps of seawater. “Mark Lee. Qian Kun. Thank you for your help.”

The deeper they swam into the cave, the colder it became.

Doyoung’s voice was a whisper now. “This is where the Sea Troll lives. I don’t think he’s here at the moment… but if he does appear —” he glanced at Kun, “— I hear you’ve met before, Your Majesty.”

Kun’s mouth tightened. “We have. I’ll help if I can… but he isn’t fond of me.”

They passed through columns of stone like jagged teeth until a glimmer caught Jungwoo’s eye. “Father… is that it?”

Doyoung’s gaze sharpened. There it was — a thin, wide slab of stone with faint script carved into its surface, pages bound to its base as if by magic. “Yes. Let’s go.”

He swam forward, snatching the artifact with a haste that betrayed his unease. But before they could retreat, the water seemed to thicken — and a voice rolled out from the darkness.
“I don’t recall giving permission to steal from my home.”

A shadow emerged. The figure’s skin shimmered faintly like an oil slick, eyes ancient and knowing.

Kun’s expression hardened. “YangYang…”

The troll’s mouth curled into something that wasn’t quite a smile.“Your Majesty. How kind of you to visit again. I see you’ve brought friends.”

Kun’s tone was low, edged with regret. “It wasn’t my decision… I only suggested punishment.”

“Punishment?” Yang’s voice dripped with venom. “You sentenced me to this abyss. Everything I touch rots, and when I’m still, I feel the pain of every damned soul in Hell as if it were my own.”

Mark’s fists clenched. “Hell…?”

Yang’s gaze slid to him. “Yes, pretty boy. Hell. You wouldn’t understand. Heaven polishes its angels so bright they can’t even see the shadows beneath them.”

Mark’s voice sharpened. “The ruler of Hell stole my love — and my brothers’ loves. We’re bound by rules we didn’t make, training for crowns we don’t want, and all we want is to save them.”

Something flickered in Yang’s expression — recognition, maybe even pity. “You may take the book… but I want something in return.”

Mark didn’t hesitate. “Anything.”

Yang’s eyes glinted. “Save the mountains. You know which ones.”

Kun’s voice was grim.“The magic hills… where witches and warlocks live.”

Mark nodded. “Done.”

Yang’s smile was slow, deliberate. “Now.”

Mark froze, glancing to Kun. “If he wants proof, he’ll have to leave the sea. Only you can do that.”

Kun’s voice dropped even lower. “If you wish to save it, you must join us. There’s someone there who has answers… and you know exactly who I mean.”

The water between them seemed to darken. Yang’s jaw tensed. “…You mean him.”